Overview of the service
Care Information Scotland is a new telephone helpline and website service. The primary purpose of the service is to provide information about community care services for older people, but it is extensible to allow for other services to be added in the future if required. A key role of the service is to act as a guide through the maze of information sources that are currently available, but it is more than a signposting service and aims to resolve the majority of queries directly without the need to refer customers to other organisations. The service includes national information and information about locally delivered services and caters for a disparate target audience. It makes as much use of existing information sources as possible but works with providers to fill any gaps.
Categories of information include: how to access care; care at home; care homes; supported housing; how much does care cost (including explanation of free personal and nursing care and Direct Payments); how to complain; care standards and Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS) inspection reports etc. The Care Information Scotland website also makes use of the searchable database for support organisations such as Citizen's Advice and unpaid carers organisations.
A pilot of the service took place within Tayside prior to national roll-out across Scotland, from 1 March 2010.
A marketing campaign was developed to promote the service which included broadcast advertising across radio and television, bus and phone kiosk advertisements, as well as posters and information cards within GP surgeries, community centres, libraries, carer centres and some bowling clubs and bingo halls.
How to access the service
People can either visit the website at www.careinfoscotland.co.uk or call the helpline on 08456 001 001. The helpline is available from 10.00am - 8.00pm, Monday to Friday and 10.00am - 4.00pm on Saturday, with calls charged at the local rate.
Background
Publications
For further information